
We asked Hannah Yeo, Benjamin Moore color and design specialist, to explain why porch ceilings are often painted blue. Her answer: This practice has been a tradition in Southern states for centuries and has now spread across the country. A soft blue hue, often known as “haint blue,” is believed to ward off evil spirits. Others believe it keeps bugs away. Design-wise, blue ceilings match the color of the sky and visually extend the daylight. Benjamin Moore colors that help achieve this look are Palladian Blue HC-144, Arctic Blue 2050-60, Yarmouth Blue HC-150, and Clear Skies 2054-70. Paint the trim Cloud White OC-130 to draw your eyes upward.

Photograph courtesy of Benjamin Moore
This article originally appeared in the Summer issue of Atlanta Magazine’s HOME.